Joshua Pacio Reclaims ONE Strawweight MMA World Title

Photo Courtesy || Eduard Folayang

Cordillera - Igorot Mixed Martial Artist Joshua "The Passion" Pacio reclaims the ONE Strawweight MMA World Title by disqualification brought by an illegal spike by American fighter Jarred Brook during the ONE166: Qatar on March 1, 2024. 

Pacio was immediately brought to the hospital for check-up, and as per report he was safe from possible injury based on the result of his CT scan.

"Joshua “The Passion” Pacio is clear in his ct scan results according to the doctor who read the results, there is no fracture, brain damage and neck injuries", Eduard Folayang wrote in a post. 

The American trash-talker Jarred Brooks unintentionally rendered an illegal spike to Pacio's head and striking it afterwards.

Under the Global Mixed Martial Arts Rule Set, slams to the head, neck, or spine are prohibited. Consequently, Brooks was disqualified in the first round at the 56-second mark, leading to Pacio being awarded the ONE strawweight MMA world title.

Meanwhile, Brooks sent a heartfelt message to Pacio, saying, "@joshuapacio, I wish nothing but the best for you, brother. I hope you're okay. I am sorry for letting down my family and the organization. I did not intend to do anything wrong. #andnew Congratulations!"

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Cordilleran fighter Joshua Pacio to train in the United States under Jackson Wink MMA

Photo Courtesy || Joshua Pacio || Jackson Wink MMA

Cordillera - After parting ways with Cordillera-based MMA gym Team Lakay, former ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua Pacio is set to train in the United States next month.

In an interview with Sparring Session, Pacio told his reason of going out from his former team and heading to the U.S.A.

"I want to level up in all aspects of my game. This was not a sudden decision. Speaking of leveling up, we plan to train in the USA next month," Pacio said.

Pacio also revealed the name of the gym where he will be training.

"We also going to try Jackson Wink MMA. Not only that we will also do gym hopping to add to our mixed martial arts knowledge," Pacio added via Sparring Session YT.

Jackson Wink MMA is a World renowned mixed martial arts gym based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The gym has been featured in several sports documentaries and has been called one of the best MMA gyms in the world by various MMA magazines.

It can be recalled that Eduard Folayang also trained at Jackson Wink MMA gym during his reign as ONE lightweight world champion.

The gym has produced several UFC world champions like UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon “Bones” Jones, UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Rashad Evans, UFC Welterweight Champion George “Rush” St. Pierre, UFC Female Bantamweight Champion and 18x Boxing World Champion Holly Holm.

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Team Lakay's Joshua Pacio to defend his crown against Jarred Brooks in June 3, 2022

Photo Courtesy || ONE Championship

Cordillera - The biggest clash of two big names in ONE Strawweight division is finally happening this June. 

Sports Illustrated has announced that reigning ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua Pacio will be facing American challenger Jarred Brooks in the main event of ONE 158 scheduled on June 3, 2022. 

The Igorot champ will be defending his crown against top contender Brooks in Singapore Indoor Stadium. 

Brooks, a new comer in ONE earned him a spot for Pacio after defeating Lito Adiwang, Hiroba Minowa and Bokang Masunyane in a straight win. 

For Pacio, he retained his title until today and has been ready for Brooks' challenge. 

"I am the champion and ready to defend. I know Jarred will come as strong as he is, as ready as he is, but I'm going to use all the tools we've been working on. 

Pacio had defended his title against Rene Catalan, Alex Silva and Japanese Yosuke Saruta. 

He and his team has been preparing for the bout and is committed to cementing his title as the greatest Strawweight champion in ONE. 

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WATCH: Team Lakay Joshua Pacio knocks out Saruta in the 1st round

Photo Courtesy || Team Lakay

Cordillera - It didn't take long for Igorot fighter Joshua Pacio to end the unfinished business with Saruta as he delivered an impressive performance tonight during ONE: Revolution in Singapore. 

In their trilogy match on September 24, Pacio unloaded a powerful right hook to the head of Saruta followed by several head shots that knocked out the Japanese fighter in the remaining 1.15 minutes in the first round. 

WATCH: Igorot fighter Lito Adiwang defeats Hexigetu in ONE: Revolution

It was a superb display of timing, power and focus for the Igorot mixed martial artist from Cordillera. 

Pacio remains as the title holder for the ONE Strawweight belt and retains the record as the lone Filipino champion in ONE. 

With his win tonight, Pacio improved his record fight to 20 wins with 3 losses. 

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WATCH: Joshua Pacio destroys dirty fighter with spectacular spinning backfist TKO

Photo Courtesy || ONE Championship

Cordillera - A dirty fighter suffered a brutal knockout at the hands of an Igorot MMA fighter. 

When Team Lakay fighter Joshua "The Passion" Pacio squared off against Roy Deliguez at "ONE: Legends of the World" back in 2017, Joshua went through a rough brawl with Roy who did an illegal digging on Joshua's mouth and eye. The referee gave Doliguez a warning for such dirty action.

Defeat came to Doliguez in the 2nd round after Pacio delivered a perfect spinning backfist knockout. Doliguez laid flat on the canvas and the referee stopped the fight. 

Watch the spectacular knockout by Joshua Pacio below. 

This coming September 24, 2021, Joshua Pacio is scheduled to face Japanese Fighter Saruta for the 3rd time.

WATCH ALSO: Igorot Joshua Pacio knocks out Saruta with a knee kick to the head

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WATCH: Igorot fighter Joshua Pacio submits dangerous Thai fighter via "The Passion Lock"

Cordillera - When Igorot fighter Joshua Pacio met the most dangerous Thai fighter Pongsiri Mitsatit, he didn't hesitate to utilize his secret weapon he called "The Passion Lock" which earned him the submission victory.

Photo Courtesy || One Championship

What he did during their battle at ONE: Reign of Kings three years ago was submitting Mitsatit via modified Kimora lock, a new technique introduced by Team Lakay in MMA arena.

"The Passion Lock" is a method of submitting your opponent at the back by twisting their arm until they tap. 

WATCH ALSO: Team Lakay's Joshua Pacio Chokes Rene Catalan in Round Two 

Pacio took pride of his teammates in Team Lakay for coming up with the idea. 

According to Pacio, it's a new concept of Kimora lock born out of the constant pursuit of knowledge. 

In his interview with ONE Championship, Pacio revealed the origin of their new weapon. 

He said, "We played around with the idea of other submissions from the back. The rear-naked choke is obvious, but there had to be some other way to finish from that position. At Team Lakay, we drill many different scenarios when we train our grappling. This is one we came up with in our constant pursuit of knowledge.

READ ALSO: Joshua Pacio named among 10 Best MMA fighters in the World by Black Belt Magazine

"I first tried this technique on Danny (Kingad), but that guy is extremely strong and very tough, and it was not as effective. Then I tried it on Geje (Eustaquio), and that is when I was able to execute it correctly," he added.

Watch Joshua Pacio as he demonstrated how to implement "The Passion Lock"

It may seem this new technique of submission will be added to the things every fighters in Team Lakay are going to learn inside the gym from now on.

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Joshua Pacio named among 10 Best MMA fighters in the World by Black Belt Magazine

Photo Courtesy || One Championship, Black Belt & Joshua Pacio

Cordillera - Igorot mixed martial artist Joshua "The Passion" Pacio was recently included in the list of top 10 "Best MMA Fighters in the World Right Now" by Black Belt Magazine.

Black Belt is an American magazine covering martial arts and combat sports. It is based in Valencia, California, and is one of the oldest titles dedicated to martial arts in the United States.

The 24-year old Pacio of Benguet has been dubbed "one of the most exciting athletes of today" because of his impressive performance every time he steps inside the cage.

WATCH: Igorot fighter Joshua Pacio submits dangerous Thai fighter via "The Passion Lock"

"ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua "The Passion" Pacio is one of the most exciting athletes in the sport today. Each time the Filipino steps inside the ONE Circle, he is looking to add another finish to his impressive highlights reel as he continues to help grow the sport in The Philippines with each and every performance. The Team Lakay representative is not just building his legacy in ONE, but in his homeland, as he becomes a bigger star and inspires a new generation," the magazine quoted.

The US-based publication also recognized the Igorot warrior in his contribution in inspiring the younger Filipino generation.

Here are the top 10 Best MMA Fighters in the World right now:

Demetrious Johnson

Jon Jones

Khabib Nurmagomedov

Angela Lee

Christian Lee

Amanda Nunes

Israel Adesanya

Joshua Pacio

Adriano Moraes

Stipe Miocic

Pacio was also named among ESPN's  top MMA fighters under 25.

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Igorot MMA fighter Joshua Pacio among ESPN’s top MMA fighters under 25

Photo Courtesy || Joshua Pacio

Cordillera - Cordilleran mixed martial artist Joshua "The Passion" Pacio has been named among ESPN's Top 25 Mixed Martial Arts Fighters under the age of 25. 

The Igorot warrior was the lone Filipino in the chosen 25 who possessed the "most impressive combination of achievement and potential." according to ESPN

The 24-year old Pacio is the reigning ONE Championship strawweight king who landed on the 24th spot in ESPN's second annual list of MMA fighters under 25 that was published on November 16, 2020. 

Pacio has retain his championship title after defending it against compatriot Rene "The Challenger" Catalan in 2019 and Alex Silva of Brazil on January this year. 

The proud Igorot fighter from Cordillera shared a short inspiring message on Facebook after receiving the news. 

He said, "It's not I but WE. We are Grateful for this. Didn't expect this but as long as we work hard everything follows. 

Cordilleran MMA fighters have put Filipino martial artists in the international spotlight after winning several belts in ONE Championship. 

Congratulations Joshua Pacio and Team Lakay under head coach Mark Sangiao. You may continue inspiring our youth to become world champions.

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LOOK: Team Lakay lends a helping hand to the needy in Benguet thru 'Mobile Tulong'

Cordillera - Philippine's top Mixed Martial Arts stable Team Lakay has joined the hundreds of good Samaritan in the country who stepped up to extend help to many of their kailyans who are in need of assistance amid the global pandemic.

On Wednesday, the team headed by multi-awarded coach Mark Sangiao and joined by former ONE Championship Lightweight World Champion Eduard Folayang and ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua Pacio unloaded relief packs and distributed them to the residents of Tuba, Benguet.

Parts of the relief packs that were distributed are sacks of rice and fresh Benguet vegetables. 

After Tuba, the team is going to Itogon, Benguet to provide the same assistance to the residents there.

Team Lakay's  'Mobile Tulong' is  being implemented in partnership with ACT-CIS Partylist Congressman Eric Go Yap and the Charen family. 

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Philippine Congress to formally recognize and honor Team Lakay's contribution to the country

Photo Coutesy || Mark Sangiao

Cordillera - To formally recognize and honor Team Lakay members' contribution to the country, Benguet appointed caretaker congressman Eric Go Yap submitted a resolution to Congress to thank and praise them for bringing tremendous honor and glory to the country. 

Cong. Yap said, he submitted House Resolution No. 707 as a way of recognizing and thanking the champions of Team Lakay. 

"Bilang saludo ang pasasalamat sa inyong mga tagumpay, ating isunumite ang House Resolution No. 707 upang pormal na kilalanin ng Kongreso ang inyong mga ambag para sa bayan," Yap said. 

Yap personally thanked current ONE Strawweight Champion Joshua Pacio, reigning Brave Combat Federation Bantamweight Champion Stephen Loman and former URCC Welterweight Champion and former ONE Lightweight Champion Eduard Folayang for their great contribution in the field of Mixed Martial Arts in the country. 

Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao and the champions visited the House of Representative on Tuesday. 

Yap met them in his office and personally handed them certificate of recognition and promised them support to improve their gym and further enhance their training.

"Maraming salamat sa pagiging inspirasyon sa maraming kabataang Pilipino na may pangarap magpursige sa kani-kanilang larangan. Asahan ninyo na nasa likod ninyo kami at handang sumporta hanggang sa abot nga aming makakaya. Mabuhay kayo! Mabuhay ang Pilipino, Yap added. 

Team Lakay is a Benguet-based Mixed Martial Art team in the Philippines. It was founded by former mixed martial artist Mark Sangiao. 

The team operates in a close to zero budget with a gym that is not air conditioned, no state of the art training facilities but produced the best mixed martial artists that are making waves in major international organizations. 

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Joshua Pacio retains crown, now a 4-TIME ONE Strawweight World Champion

Photo Courtesy || One Championship

Cordillera - Cordilleran MMA star Joshua Pacio still remains the ONE Strawweight World Champion after defeating Alex Silva in the main of event of ONE: FIRE & FURY held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila. 

Pacio earned the split decision of the judges by outscoring Silva in the standup game where he peppered his opponent with accurate combinations. 

Silva on the other hand was upset as he can't pursue his plan to bring Pacio to ground where he wanted to submit Pacio. 

Pacio's wonderful submission defense last night helped him get back to stand up position where he held his advantage over Silva.

Meanwhile 2-time ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard "Landslide" Folayang missed to complete Team Lakay's attempt of a full win tonight as he loss to Netherlands's Pieter "The Archangle" Buist via split decision. 

Former ONE World Title challenger Danny "The King" Kingad of  Team Lakay claimed victory over Chinese foe "The Hunter" Xie Wei via unanimous decision.

Young and new comer to ONE Championship, Lito "The Thunder Kid" Adiwang proved to be too powerful for Mitsatit Pongsiri of Thailand.

READ ALSO:  Igorot MMA figther Lito Adiwang is unstoppable, defeats Thai foe via Kimura lock in 1st round

Adiwang forced Pongsiri to surrender the game by overwhelming him with voluminous power punches to the head. 

Pongsiri suffered weakness under Thunder Kid's power that caused him being pulled to the ground where Adiwang caught him with a swift Kimura. 

In another fight, Team Lakay's Gina Iniong was victorious in her return to professional mixed martial arts competition by outscoring Asha "Knockout Queen" Roka of India. 

MMA representatives from Cordillera made an impressive fight tonight with a score of 4-1. 

Congratulations Team Lakay!

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Watch: Team Lakay's Joshua Pacio Chokes Rene Catalan in Round Two

Photo Courtesy || One Championship

Cordillera - Igorot mixed martial arts Joshua "The Passion" Pacio delivered another stunning performance to defeat Rene Catalan by submission to retain the ONE Strawweight World Title. 

In the fully sold out Mall of Asia, Pacio successfully defended his strawweight title against the challenger Catalan via 2nd round arm-triangle choke in the main event of ONE: Master of Fate on Friday night. 

The youngest fighter of Team Lakay seemed to be the favorite by his home town crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena as he came stronger defending his World Champion title. 

But Catalan proved that can defeat the younger Pacio as he attempted leg submission in the first round.

Pacio, however, manage to get out of the attempt by rolling over the canvass until Catalan loses grip.

In the second round, Pacio decided to take the fight to the ground, where he was able to pin down Catalan to full mount and maneuvered an arm-triangle choke that forces Catalan to tap out. 

No one expected Pacio to be able to submit Catalan via arm-triangle choke.

Booking.com

It was a beautiful and stunning way for Pacio to retain his world title in front of his fans. 

Meanwhile, Filipino hero Eduard "The Landslide" Folayang gets the unanimous decision over Amarsanaa Tsogookhu after an unintentional class of heads prompts a technical decision.

Congratulations!

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Igorot Joshua Pacio knocks out Saruta with a knee kick to the head

Photo Courtesy || One Championship

Cordillera - Joshua "The Passion" Pacio reclaims ONE World Strawweight Championship Belt from Yosuke Saruta in the co-main event of ONE Championship: Roots of Honor in front of fight fans at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. 

The competitive bout that lasted up to the 4th round proved to be an exciting one as the two warriors were really hunting a big knock-out for them selves. 

It was Pacio from Team Lakay who played a very technical and decisive tactic to maneuver a hard right kick to the head of Saruta causing the later to suffer from a TKO. 

Sensing the gravity of his kick, Pacio did not attempt to follow Saruta to finish him off on the canvas.

"The Passion dropped the ONE strawweight world championship to Saruta in their first meeting with just a razor-thin split decision. 

This Friday was a redemption for the youngest world champion of Team Lakay as he proved to the world he was the true champion. 

Pacio thanked his fans and team mates for their support. 

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Joshua Pacio VS Yosuke Saruta rematch set on April 12 in Manila

Updated: 

Photo Courtesy || One Championship

Cordillera - Team Lakay's Joshua Pacio is set for a rematch against ONE Strawweight World Champion Yosuke Saruta in the Co-Main event of ONE: ROOTS OF HONOR at the Mall of Asia in Manila on April 12. 
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It wasn't an easy bout for the Igorot fighter from the famed Team Lakay gym of Baguio city to defend his ONE strawweight titlte against challenger Yosuke Saruta. 

The 23-year old lost the five-round match via razor-thin split decision in the main event of ONE: ETERNAL GLORY in Jakarta, Indonesia last Saturday. 

It was a close decision verdict by the judges that favored the Japanese fighter due to his aggressiveness and effective take downs in the final rounds. But Pacio was able to deliver impressive counter-punches thus making the match very close. 

A rematch between the two is inevitable to happen very soon considering the very close decision from the judges that both fighters agreed if ONE championship would push through.

"If ONE tells me to do the rematch then, bring it on. I never say no to a match. I'll fight anyone at anytime," Saruta said about the possible rematch.

Meanwhile, Pacio accepted his loss and said the fight was a huge learning experience for him. 

"Agree or not, I have to agree because that's the decision of ONE Championship so next time I fight, I need to win convincingly," Pacio said.

"This fight is a huge learning experience. The loss motivates me to keep training and improve my weakness in both my attacks and defense," he added.

Asked about the potential second fight with Saruta, Pacio is much willing to do it again as much as possible.

"I want a rematch right away but it would still depend on ONE. I'm motivated to come back and I can't wait to train again and return to the cage," Pacio responded.

Besides, no less than the CEO and Chairman of ONE Championship Chatri Sidyodthong suggested there will be a rematch because he was very disappointed about the result. In his perspective, Pacio clearly won the fight. 

"My personal opinion, as a life-long martial artist, I think Joshua Pacio won the fight. I was very disappointed," Sityodthong said.

"Just for me, from my perspective, I thought Joshua won. so yes there will be a rematch," he added.

On January 25th, Pacio's team mates, ONE Flyweight World Champion Geje Eustaquio will defend his title against former opponent Adriano Moraes in the main event of ONE: Hero's Ascent at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

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Joshua Pacio vs Hayato Suzuki to headline first ONE event shown live on U.S. TV

Photo Courtesy || ONE Championship

(Updated) - Asia's biggest MMA promotion ONE Championship has signed a 3-year broadcast deal with Turner Sport which will commence of January 1. The deal will broadcast some of ONE Championship's programs including the first event scheduled for January 19 which features Joshua Pacio vs Hayato Suzuki fight.

Baguio City - Reigning ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua "The Passion" Pacio will make his first World Title defense against Japanese challenger Hayato Suzuki on 19 January at the Istora Senayan in Jakarta, Indonesia. 

According to ONE Championship, ONE: Eternal Glory will be the first of the promotion's 2019 lists of match up in their calendar events.

Pacio, team Lakay's youngest champion will take this opportunity to avenge his loss to Suzuki. 

The two warriors first crossed paths back in August 2017 where Pacio was easily defeated by Suzuki via rear-naked choke submission in the first round.

It was a devastating defeat for Pacio that motivated him to improve  his ground game with the help of this teammates. 

Since then, the 22-year-old Pacio continued making rounds of victories in the next year and half, including a world title win over Yoshitaka Naito that made him ONE Strawweight World Champion. 

Now, the Japanese contender is working his way out to challenge the Igorot warrior to prove their first encounter was not just an accident.

Who do you think will win this upcoming match up between Pacio and Suzuki. Write your answer in the comment box below.

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Cordilera's Team Lakay Champions recognized at the Senate

Photo Courtesy || Eduard Folayang FB

Cordillera - Members of the Team Lakay are now the talk of the town and earlier paid a visit to the Philippine Senate and spend time with some of the senators.

In a photo shared by ONE World Lightweight Champion Eduard Folayang, he and ONE Bantamweight Champion Kevin Belingon, ONE Flyweight Champion Geji Eustaquio, ONE Strawweight Champion Joshua Pacio,  Brave Combat Federation Champion Stephen Loman and Coach Mark Sangiao posed a photo with the senators.

With their individual ONE Belt hanging on their shoulders, the Cordilleran warriors proudly joined the senators in a photo shoot headed by Senate President Sotto along with Eight Division World Champion Manny Pacquiao, Migz Zubiri, former Senate president Pimentel and others.

Team Lakay Champions also posed with their cup of coffee at the senate house.

Photo Courtesy || Eduard Folayang

Last December 2, the city government of Baguio organized a "Parade of Champions" to honor Team Lakay dedication to the sport.

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The igorot warriors that bring Philippine MMA to the world's spotlight

Photo Courtesy || Team Lakay Official FB

Cordillera - No one could ever disagree with the words of ONE Championship CEO and chairman Chatri Sidyodthong that Team Lakay is the number one team in the world. Team Lakay's success in the MMA arena is collectively worked out by the Igorot martial artists who dedicated lots of their time and effort in this particular sport. For them, martial arts is a passion they love doing. It's a career that is fulfilling and a sport they care about and are willing to share to others.

Their dedication to the sport has been  rewarded abundantly. This year is a great milestone for them as they took home five world championship belts in different weight classes; four under the banner of ONE championship and one under Brave Combat Federation. 

Eduard "The Landslide Folayang" just recently became ONE Lightweight World Champion last November  23, 2018. 

Kevin "The Silencer" Belingon became the ONE Bantamweight World Champion early in November. 

Joshua Pacio became the ONE Strawweight World Champion in September.

While Geje Eustaquio became the undisputed ONE Flyweight World Champion in June.

Stephen Loman on the other hand, became Brave Bantamweight World Champion. 

Yes, it's five world championship belts that they had taken and brought home to the Philippines. 

These are the Igorot heroes that brought the Philippines Mixed Martial Arts to the world's spotlight. Because of them,  Philippines is now known to have the best mixed martial artist in the world. 

The successful journey of Team Lakay from its humble beginning up to becoming the number one team in the world is a product of teamwork and humility. 

As Eduard Folayang - the newly crowned world lightweight champion said, " We help each other so that we can be able to have these belts." 

To honor the big contribution of the legendary martial arts heroes and the champs of Team Lakay, the city government of Baguio organized the "Parade of Champions" on December 2, 2018.

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WATCH: Joshua Pacio from Benguet comes out victorious in One Warrior Kingdom

It's a grueling, an intense and a non-stop action between Filipino mixed martial artist Joshua Pacio against former world champion Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke in the ONE: WARRIOR KINGDOM in Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

Joshua Pacio from La-Trinidad, Benguet who trained under Lakay La Trinidad Gym scored a massive split decision win against the Thai Champion on March 11.

Pacio has shown his tremendous skills in two rounds via takedowns and well-executed ground and pound leading the Thai champion looked uncapable of taking a good win.

Pacio's impressive victory has made him improve his record to 9-1 and a possible title rematch againts current ONE Strawweight Champion Yoshitaka "Nobita" Naito who defeated him in their previous bouts.

Joshua Pacio was the only lone Filipino fighter who took home victory after three of his countrymen bowed down to their respective opponents.

Watch the highlight of the fight below.

Video/Photo Credit: One Championship

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